Systemic insecticide evaluation

Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the roots, bark, or leaves into the tissue of a plant and kill or repel insects that feed upon it. The insecticides translocate or move through all plant parts so the entire plant is protected from the attack of insects.

The products have a long-term control since once absorbed the insecticides are not exposed to rain, irrigation, and sunlight which can diminish the persistence of conventional insecticides.

Recent insect losses workshops and insecticide usage surveys conducted by the UA suggest the products are an important tool in vegetable IPM programs.

The efficacy of new systemic insecticides and different application rates are being evaluated to increase the arsenal for combating the current pest complex.